Lovely...

The driveway is a quarter mile to this point and continues on up the hill to the left for almost another quarter mile, to what will likely be our building site.

Insight and Wisdom

We've been doing a lot of research into what and how we might build. My dream has always been a gambrel style barn-like post and beam house-studio. In addition to investigating costs and building possibilities we are also talking to our friends and family, hoping to glean from their experiences and knowledge. My Uncle Chuck and his wife, Marianne, came out first and walked the land with us. Chuck's a surveyor, but more importantly he built his own house. Years ago he and Marianne dissembled an old log cabin and reassembled it with their own hands, on their land. It was so good to have them walk the land with us. We looked closely at the possible building site for our house. We discussed what trees can stay and what trees will be cleared. We discussed the placement of the septic tank and other details. Their visit was very helpful and enjoyable.

This week we are meeting with our dear friends Lonnie and Connie. They have experience building houses and other buildings - even restaurants. Lonnie has offered to share with us all he knows about building a house. He has even offered to share some building equipment with us - a back hoe / front loader - and help us clear for the footer. More importantly, Lonnie has offered to be there beside us with his tool-belt on as often as he can. Just knowing we have Lonnie and Connie's support in this adventure gives us confidence.

After I get my basic drawings for the house plans finished, we will sit down with my brother Richard and his wife. They recently finished building a lake house and did much of the work themselves, but more importantly, Richard is an architect. I expect his knowledge and insight will be incredibly helpful. I am so looking forward to sharing our ideas with them.

And so the "barn raising" begins. Good family and good friends. We are very thankful.

Robin

Where the deer darted...

Meeting the Land

Our first visit to the land was uneventful. It was a lovely sunny day. Robert and I walked the land with my brother Bobby, as we discussed investing in land together. But the whole thing still seemed completely out of reach.

Our second visit to the land was different. It was July 4th and we were celebrating with my parents, brother Bobby and our children. The conversation was casual. We mentioned the land. The next thing I knew we were all in a small caravan driving out to the country. Oddly enough, it started pouring down rain as we drove. Not a light gentle rain - an absolute down pour! I knew in my heart there was purpose in the rain, although I wasn't sure what it was. I thought the rain might cause us to abort the visit and perhaps abort the possibility. Not so. We all climbed out of our cars and somehow had enough umbrella's - except for the children who couldn't stand still long enough to consider an umbrella. The rain continued to pour.

Four of our five children, Sophia, Lily Anna, Isaac and even our oldest, Noel (21) spread out their arms and twirled in the rain. All of them together. Soaking in the warm rain, the greenness of the forest and the hope and possibility that floated in the air.

The children took off ahead of us toward the first hill that stretches down toward the pond and to everyones surprise and joy, they startled a family of deer. Two fawns darted from the woods just ahead of us and ran down the driveway and disappeared into the forest again. It was perfect.

Somehow the land was beautifully surreal - especially in the rain.

The Land

We've talked about buying land, moving out to the country and renovating a barn for many years. Our friends and family have heard our plans. They know our hearts. But I was still surprised when a friend, Erin, remembered specifically my desire for "land with a barn". She sent me an email that contained an ad from the Oldham Marketplace that said, "19.542 acres and a pole barn". Those few words hit the nail on the head. (This "pole barn" is actually a 1200 sq. ft. metal building with electricity, city water and a full bath - which my brother Bobby will renovate into his house. Its not exactly the kind of pole barn that Robert and I were looking for, but its perfect for my brother. So, our plans have changed from renovating an old barn to building a new one!)

I still didn't feel ready. Financially we've never really had enough money to buy the land. We've invested in so many other things, like a large family and an international adoption. We've sacrificed financially so that I could stay home with our children, and home-school them. In an attempt to follow the Lord's heart in all things we have made other financial sacrifices as well. And then there are the financial mistakes. There have been some big ones. And it seems that this is the area where we are slowest to learn.

None the less, when God is ready to fund a dream - He does it.

With incredible help and support from my parents and by investing together with my older brother Bobby, we were able to make an offer for the beautiful 20 acres on Dawkins Lane. We are presently waiting to close. I want to believe with all my heart that its real, but I am keeping the entire dream a safe distance from my heart. When we actually close on the land I will wrap my heart and mind and imagination around it.

Robin

Possible Barn-House site

An adventure begins...

The house on Mile of Sunshine is on the market. We've shown it one time. Keeping a house clean and ready to show, when eight people live in it, can be a real challenge - a nightmare really. Especially when we rarely leave. The kids are here all day and even Robbie works from home. This is a house we actually LIVE in.

We had new flooring laid in the kitchen this week. We also cleaned the carpets and are making some minor repairs so that the house shows nicely. I'm glad that we did a lot of flower gardens and landscaping around the backyard pond this spring. It makes for lovely curb appeal.

Mostly, I hope the house sells quickly, but there is a part of me thats nervous about the sale. After all, when this place sells our adventure really begins! We are a family of seven with no where to live while we build. Well, its all part of the adventure.

I do have peace. God is good. We'll keep our eyes on Him and this story will unfold.

Its going to be a good one.

Love,
Robin